{exceedingly} Good Friday

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2

"Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46

A Liturgy for Easter Sunday

We serve a risen Saviour yet live as if in chains. Forgive us, Lord

that we are so hesitant to live the resurrection life. Forgive us that

we fail to show through word and action the truth that you loved us

into your kingdom through the glorious mystery of the Cross. Forgive

us that there is still fear in our lives that prevents us from

achieving our full potential. Draw us close. Open our eyes to the

glory of the risen Christ, our hearts to the wonder of the Cross and

our hands to the service of your kingdom where you have placed us.

That your name might be glorified through our lives.

AMEN

God of resurrection

of life and death

rebirth

All: Renew our hearts and minds

God of promise

of all beginnings

and all endings

All: Renew our hearts and minds

God of hope

of new growth

and harvest

All: Renew our hearts and minds

Your light is the only light we need

as we travel through life's mystery

Your word the only voice we hear

that still small voice that leads us

to the place where we should be

Your presence is the only company we need

as we walk this narrow road

Your fellowship the warmth we crave

to help us on our way

May the truth of Easter

The joy of Easter

And the blessings of Easter

Be with us this day and all days

AMEN

hope floats

“Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts. You have to remember this when you find yourself at the beginning.” 

― Sandra Bullock as Birdee Pruitt

Some projects you can knock out over an afternoon.  Some require a little more time.  And then there are those that you jump into before realizing they are going to require a daunting amount of time.  What began as a girlish whim (who hasn't wanted to build her own doll house at one point in time...in their late 20s?!) has turned into the latter.  I spent several months dreaming of furnishing a doll house with handmade wares made out of re-purposed items. Think The Borrowers meets shabby chic!  Step one would be "throwing" together the doll house.  Step two would be the fun of furnishing the fantastical home.  Well, wow.  Apparently you don't just snap together parts to build the house.  As I emptied the box of raw supplies, I felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured on my enthusiasm.  Was this project really going to require mortar?  Really?!  

Thankfully this labor of love is turning into a neighborhood affair.  I've got several friends living nearby who have offered use of their tools, time and energy!  Looking forward to share the progress of this scary beginning.

we {dig}ress: smoke signals

Handmade {in America}

There is something magical about handmade items. Whether it is a tasty sweet treat that no one makes quite like your mom or a beautiful scarf knit with love from a dear friend, the products of our time and energy are meaningful and special.

This idea is exactly what I had in mind when I decided to create {rather than purchase} many of the bits and pieces of the scrapbook I am working on. Adding these little treasures next to the mementos I have collected will add flair and a personalized touch to the project. It was truly a joy to sit back and recall the events of 2012 and attempt to capture the essence of those memories in a small and tangible way. 

By making these items, I saved myself the time and energy of going to a craft store to find stickers/cut outs that fit the theme of my page, and I also didn't spend a pretty penny. Simply combining paper, markers, and a little imagination can produce one-of-a-kind additions to any project!